SayPro Focus Group Discussion Template: A template for facilitating and documenting focus group sessions

Focus Group Discussion Template

SayPro Introduction (5-10 Minutes)

• Welcome and Introductions:
  • Introduce yourself and briefly explain the purpose of the focus group.
  • Ask participants to introduce themselves (name, role, and background).
  • Establish a comfortable and open environment, where participants feel free to share their thoughts.
• Purpose of Discussion:
  • Explain the goal of the focus group (e.g., to gather insights on a specific policy, issue, or decision).
  • Emphasize that there are no right or wrong answers; all opinions are valued.
  • Ensure participants understand the confidentiality of the session and their right to withdraw at any time.
  • Mention that the session will be recorded for documentation and analysis (with consent).
• Ground Rules:
  • Encourage respectful listening and ensure everyone has the opportunity to contribute.
  • Ask participants to speak one at a time and allow everyone to share their opinions.
  • Clarify that the discussion should stay on topic.

SayPro Icebreaker Activity (Optional) (5-10 Minutes)

• Purpose: To ease participants into the discussion and build rapport.
• Example: Ask participants to share their favorite aspect of the topic you are discussing, or ask a light-hearted question related to the policy/issue being discussed.

SayPro Focus Group Discussion Questions

The following questions are meant to guide the discussion and stimulate conversation. These can be adapted based on the specific policy or topic being addressed.

Section 1: General Opinions

• What is your general opinion about [policy/issue] and its potential impact?
• How do you feel about the changes this policy might bring?
• What benefits or positive outcomes do you anticipate from this policy?
• What concerns or challenges do you foresee regarding the implementation of this policy?

Section 2: Stakeholder-Specific Impact

• How do you think this policy will affect your community/industry/organization?
• What specific groups or individuals do you think will be most affected by this policy?
• Do you think the policy addresses the needs of all stakeholders equally? Why or why not?

Section 3: Challenges and Barriers

• What are the biggest challenges you think could arise from implementing this policy?
• In your opinion, what barriers exist that could prevent the policy from being successful?
• What do you think needs to be done to overcome these barriers or challenges?

Section 4: Suggestions for Improvement

• If you could change anything about this policy, what would it be and why?
• What support or resources would help stakeholders (such as your community/industry) better adapt to this policy?
• What additional actions or measures would make the policy more effective?

Section 5: Future Implications

• How do you see this policy evolving in the future?
• What changes would you expect to see in your community or industry as a result of this policy?
• Are there any potential unintended consequences that policymakers should be aware of?

4. Closing Remarks (5-10 Minutes)

• Wrap-Up:
  • Summarize the main points discussed during the session.
  • Thank participants for their time and valuable input.
  • Provide information on next steps, including how the feedback will be used and when participants can expect to hear about the results.
• Final Open Floor:
  • Ask participants if they have any additional comments, thoughts, or concerns they’d like to share before concluding the session.

5. Documentation and Notes

• Facilitator Notes:
  • Document any non-verbal cues, group dynamics, or important moments that might not be captured in the recorded discussion.
  • Note any particularly insightful or unexpected responses that might require follow-up or further exploration.
• Key Themes Identified:
  • After the session, summarize the key themes, issues, and recommendations that emerged from the discussion.
• Actionable Insights:
  • List any suggestions, concerns, or recommendations that may influence policy recommendations or strategic decisions.

6. Evaluation (Optional)

If you want to assess the effectiveness of the focus group or improve future sessions, you can include a short evaluation at the end.

• What did you think of today’s discussion?
• Was the session helpful for understanding the issues?
• Do you have any suggestions for improving the focus group process?

7. Follow-up

• Post-Discussion: Send a follow-up message thanking the participants for their time and summarizing key takeaways or next steps.
• Additional Resources: If applicable, share any relevant materials or updates that were discussed in the session.